Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica 12€, St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€
Spanish Speaking guide - if option selected
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Options
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Reviews
5,240 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour of Venice San Marco places
W4579HZashb,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We ended up having just a very small tour group! Our tour guide Alessandro went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience and answered all our questions. He was so knowledgeable about all the history!
A fantastic tour!
Jeff S,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Marina was an exceptional guide. She had a wonderful story-telling ability. She was very knowledgeable about the history of Venice, but she shared it in such an engaging and fun way! We walked away having learned much about Venice. Highly recommend!
Incredible
Jackson K,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mose was incredible. We’ve done many guided tours and he was by far our favorite. He was very knowledgeable about not only the tour but the full Venetian history. His sense of humor also made our tour even more enjoyable - amazing!
Fanatastic tour with Mose
K6169LJjamesb,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the tour with Mose. He was very knowledgeable and provided great informations and details about the church and Doges palace. He also sprinkled some nice humour along the way and was very patient to ensure all members of the group reached him to start giving the information. Definitely recommend doing this tour when in Venice.
Fun and interesting
Anton K,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Moses was incredibly knowledgeable and his cheerful personality livened up the tour. Would recommend.
Easy to find the place,...
Viktoria M,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Easy to find the place, quick check-in with the group. The tour was really great, lots of interesting stories about the history of the buildings and Venice. Gracia was a really amazing guide!
Great tour with great guide
Louise M,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well worth it. The guide Marina was very knowledgeable and it was very helpful to know the history behind what we were seeing. Engaging tour where we learned so much of Venice. Highly recommend.
Wonderful experience!
lauriemT6675PC,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iole C. Was so informative and very knowledgeable! She was so pleasant we enjoyed touring with her thoroughly!!
So much dialogue to...
Trudy W,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So much dialogue to concentrate on. Good idea to have ear plug in other ear to avoid distractions in crowded areas
Well worth the spend
Getaway35952552576,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip all around. The tour meetup was very easy to find and the guide was great. We learned so much about the history of Venice and St Marks and The Doges Palace. It was also perfect to not have to wait in lines at all and go right in. Well worth the package price when you compare individual tickets and audio headset guides
From €71.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain